Gaelic Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meaning and Origin

Gaelic last names, also known as Irish surnames, are rich in history and symbolism, reflecting the vibrant culture and language of the Irish people. These surnames, often rooted in the Gaelic language, offer fascinating insights into the ancestors' occupations, physical characteristics, or place of origin. This comprehensive guide delves into the meanings and origins of over 40 popular Gaelic last names, providing a deeper understanding of their significance.
1. **Ó Briain:** Descendant of Brian, a common Gaelic given name.
2. **Ó Conaill:** Descendant of Connell, a common Gaelic given name.
3. **Ó Dálaigh:** Descendant of Dálach, meaning "grey" or "grey-haired."
4. **Ó Domhnaill:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler" or "world conqueror."
5. **Ó Dúill:** Descendant of Duill, meaning "black," referring to dark hair or complexion.
6. **Ó Faoláin:** Descendant of Faolán, meaning "wolf."
7. **Ó Gallchóir:** Descendant of Gallchóir, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger."
8. **Ó Grádaigh:** Descendant of Grádach, meaning "loving" or "affectionate."
9. **Ó hAodha:** Descendant of Aodh, meaning "fire" or "fiery."
10. **Ó hÉiligh:** Descendant of Éile, meaning "high" or "noble."
11. **Ó Laoghaire:** Descendant of Laoghaire, meaning "calf" or "young bull."
12. **Ó Lochlainn:** Descendant of Lochlainn, meaning "warrior" or "fighter."
13. **Ó Maolalaidh:** Descendant of Maolalaidh, meaning "bald" or "shaven-headed."
14. **Ó Maoláin:** Descendant of Maoláin, meaning "bald" or "shaven-headed."
15. **Ó Máille:** Descendant of Máil, meaning "chief" or "leader."
16. **Ó Muircheartaigh:** Descendant of Muircheartach, meaning "sea warrior" or "sea king."
17. **Ó Néill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion" or "warrior."
18. **Ó Raghallaigh:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "fiery" or "passionate."
19. **Ó Ruairc:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red" or "ruddy."
20. **Ó Séaghdha:** Descendant of Séaghdha, meaning "victory."
21. **Ó Súilleabháin:** Descendant of Súilleabháin, meaning "little eye."
22. **Ó Tuathail:** Descendant of Tuathail, meaning "king" or "ruler."
23. **Mac Aodha:** Son of Aodh, meaning "fire" or "fiery."
24. **Mac Amhlaigh:** Son of Amhlaigh, meaning "protector."
25. **Mac an Bhaird:** Son of the bard.
26. **Mac an tSaoir:** Son of the carpenter.
27. **Mac Coise:** Son of Cos, meaning "foot."
28. **Mac Dómhnaill:** Son of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler."
29. **Mac Giolla Ri:** Son of the servant of the king.
30. **Mac Giolla Easpaig:** Son of the bishop's servant.
31. **Mac Giolla Mhuire:** Son of Mary's servant.
32. **Mac Léinn:** Son of the scholar.
33. **Mac Mathúna:** Son of Mathúin, meaning "bear."
34. **Mac Murchaidh:** Son of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior."
35. **Mac Néill:** Son of Niall, meaning "champion."
36. **Mac Ruairí:** Son of Ruairí, meaning "red."
37. **Mac Síthigh:** Son of Síthigh, meaning "fairy."
38. **Mac Uisneach:** Son of Uisneach, meaning "eager" or "zealous."
39. **Ní Choileáin:** Daughter of Coileán, meaning "puppy."
40. **Ní Dhomhnaill:** Daughter of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler."
41. **Ní Fhlatharta:** Daughter of Flatharta, meaning "noble" or "generous."
42. **Ní Ghríofa:** Daughter of Ghríof, meaning "love" or "affection."
43. **Ní Mháille:** Daughter of Máil, meaning "chief" or "leader."
44. **Ní Mhuirí:** Daughter of Muirí, meaning "sea warrior."
45. **Ní Neill:** Daughter of Niall, meaning "champion."
46. **Ní Raghallaigh:** Daughter of Raghallach, meaning "fiery."
47. **Ní Ruairc:** Daughter of Ruairc, meaning "red."
48. **Ní Séaghdha:** Daughter of Séaghdha, meaning "victory."